Comparative analysis of desiccation tolerance in Oeosporangium elegans and Mickelopteris cordata

Vegetative desiccation tolerance of Oeosporangium elegans and Mickelopteris cordata was evaluated in the current study to understand physiological responses towards desiccation and rehydration in different pteridophyte species. Desiccation tolerance (DT) was measured at different stages of water loss [Water Loss-1 (WL1), Water Loss-2 (WL2), Desiccated (D)] and gain [Water Gain-1 (WG1) and Rehydrated (R)]. Our results shown that relative water content (RWC) and photosynthetic pigments were reduced but not completely destroyed at desiccation. Also, the CO 2 exchange rate and Fv/Fm ratio were significantly lower during desiccation. However, concentrations of anthocyanin, proline, lipid peroxidation, superoxide radicals, and activity of antioxidant enzymes were found to be significantly higher at all the time points tested during desiccation. Our results shown that non-Selaginella species of pteridophytes also have the innate ability to counter physiological desiccation through various adaptation methods.